Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2014 ScheduleIts been a year since the Phuket Vegetarian Festival 2013 has passed. The Phuket scene is once again about to get a jolt of fanfare, fireworks and scary scenes of tradition of the Phuket vegetarian festival face skewering. This years festival is from 24th September till 2nd October 2014. Most tourist will be going for the first time so it best to get a hotel room in Phuket town. This is where the main action is and it's the best place to stay. Scenic Patong is just a 20 minute bus ride away so you're not left out from the major bars and clubs. However, Phuket on the cheaper side can be found just by going on a Phuket town walkabout of discovery. Phuket vegetarian festival history.Phuket’s Vegetarian festival began in 1825, when the governor of Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved the island’s principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang District to Get-Hoe in Kathu District where Chinese miners were. Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (called ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners. When the whole company grew sick, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe. This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically. Thus the festival began.10 RULES FOR THE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL1. Abstain from killing living things. (Abstain from eating meat product.) 2. Abstain from stealing. 3. Abstain from telling lie. 4. Abstain from alcoholic drinks. 5. Abstain from sex or adultery. 6. Abstain from gambling. 7. Abstain from bedecking jewelry and leather goods. 8. Wearing white attire is preferable during the festival. 9. Mourner, women in menstruation and pregnancy should avoid participating in any kind of rituals. 10. Kitchen utensils and containers should be kept solely for the festival

2 October 2014 15.00 KATHU SHRINE 19.30 SAM PAI KONG SHRINE (BAN BANGKOO) The Street Procession: This is the most spectacular event of the Vegetarian Festival or the Nine Emperor Gods Festival., which became iconic of the festival as a whole. The processions offer an opportunity for the householders and the general public along the streets to receive the blessings of the gods possessing the spirit mediums. The inhabitants set up altar in front of their houses, decorated with Chinese embroideries table apron (Tok Ui), placing on them lit candles and incense sticks , flowers, fruit, sweets and tea. The processions will be almost everyday from different shrines around the area. It may be unsuitable for children as there is a lot of weapons skewered through the faces of participants which may look terrifying. Other than that, the annual vegetarian festival Phuket is one for the memory books

The Phuket scene is about to go crazy. The popular singing television show, The Voice, which originates from the Netherlands, is now shown in 40 countries around the world including the US, and UK, and Thailand is no different. The Voice Thailand, Season 3, auditions is heading to Phuket.Anyone between the ages of 16 and 60 can audition for the competition. The Voice auditions will be held at the Millennium Resort in Patong on June 28-29. Foreigners are also eligible to enter the competition but must provide evidence they live in Thailand, and also must speak fluent Thai. For more details on how to register, visit www.thevoicethailand.com or call 086 373 1783.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) announced the cancellation of the curfew in Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui (June 3), effective immediately. The announcement was signed by NCPO leader Prayuth Chan-ocha. The NCPO declared the curfew across the country on May 22. The curfew had been in force between 10pm and 5am. This had also been effecting tourist in hotels & resorts all over Phuket and the country.

In Phuket, owners of more than 100 bars and clubs in Patong, hurting from the effects of the nationwide curfew, appealed to Governor Maitri Inthusut (June 2) to pass on a request to coup leaders to cancel the curfew altogether in Phuket.

Under the curfew, people were prohibited from being on the streets between 10pm and 5am. Exceptions were made for those traveling overseas or coming from abroad, emergency workers, shift workers, and those with an urgent reason.

At a subdued meeting at Bangla Rd, the President of the Patong Entertainment Association, Weerawit Kuresombat, said that the group had gathered to request an end to the curfew. On Tuesday evening, (May 27) the NCPO relaxed the six-day old nationwide curfew by three hours, from midnight to 4am, effective for the three tourist destinations of Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui.

History.Although Phuket Pride Week has been running for many years, 2012 was the first time the PLU (Phuket Loves You) organised it. Although they had only had 4 months to organize it, with the great support of many, they were able to raise 140,000 Baht for charity. Together with other events such as Mr Gay Phuket by Fong Kaew, Phuket Pride week raised almost 300,000 Baht for charity. 2013 Pride Week was hugely successful. They were also able to build good foundations for future years of Pride week. This year Phuket Pride Week is from 21st April to 27th April 2014.Events. Sunday 20th April Pride week opening ‘Circus theme’ Pool Party at CC’s Hideaway 6pm to 11pm Start off your Pride Week with this fun gay pool party at the CC’s Hideaway resort. Go-go boys, pool boys, flag boys in fact it’s just boys boys boys!!!! Dance to great DJ’s and swim, plus see two stunning Cabaret shows. Official launch of Donate And Win Special drinks prices and Pride special buffet @ 350 Baht (includes a donation to / charities) CC’s Hideaway is at 84/21 Patak Road Soi 10 Kata – there are limited free transfers from Time Bar in Soi Paradise at 5pm. If you wish to make you own way to this event a Taxi/tuk9tuk fare is between 400 – 500 Baht Don’t forget your Speedos!!! (Or bikinis for girls). Towels are provided free. Please check out website www.ccshideaway.com events page for updates to this fabulous party and for Specials for Pride Week. The entry free for this great night is 100 Baht which includes a free beer or cocktail. Entry to this event is FREE FOR ALL THAI’S (but excludes the free drink) . No need to pre-buy, just turn up and pay on the door. Monday 21st AprilAll Day Pool Competition by Kiss Bar & Sundowners Following the success of this event last year the are once again holding a Pool competition, to be held at Sundowners Bar in Soi Paradise, Patong. There will be singles competitions which will begin at 11:00. They are open to all nationalities and are planned to finish at 7.30pm The entry fee will be 500 Baht per person. There is no charge for spectators, who are encouraged to turn up and cheer on your favorites. There are bar and food facilities available at this venue. All contestants MUST pre-register to enter, with form and fee. Entry forms are available to download from: www.phuket-pride.org , collectable from Aquarius Guest House & Bar, Paradise complex, Patong or contact by email:info@phuket-pride.orgCompleted forms and fees must be left at Aquarius Guest House & Lounge 69 & Paradise complex, Patong. There will be cash prizes for the winners, plus certificates and a trophy. All contestants and supporters are invited to attend the Gala Dinner at the Millennium Hotel on the Thursday evening to where the winners will be presented with their prizes and/or certificates and the trophy. Tuesday 22nd April Gay Day Cruise to Raya Island. A special for Phuket Pride Week, this Gay Day Cruise to Raya Island promises to be a day to remember. Relax on the secluded white powder beach of Raya Yai Island, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water. Only 30 minutes and 12 Km from Chalong by speedboat. The day includes; round trip transfers, mask snorkel, fins and life jacket (hopefully not needed). Soft drinks on board, beach chair, experienced tour guide, insurance and an impressive Thai cuisine buffet lunch. Itinerary: 07.30 – 08.30 Pickup from Soi Paradise/CC’s Hideaway and transfer to Chalong Pier 09.15 Depart from Chalong Pier by speedboat 09.45 Arrive at Raya Island, Patok Beach for relaxation 11.00 Go to Siam Bay and Khonkae Bay for swimming and Snorkelling (optional) 12.00 Back to the main beach and lunch at Raya Seafood Restaurant 13.00 Take a walk to the viewpoint or relaxation and free time 15.30 Depart from Raya Island 16.00 Arrive at Chalong Pier, transfer back to Paradise or CC HideawayThe brochure price for this great day is usually 2,400 Baht, but as a "Phuket Pride Week special" it is negotiated at just 1,200 Baht per person, which includes a 300 Baht donation to PLU/PrideWednesday 23th AprilVolleyball Tournament - morning and afternoonThis year, once again, the are holding the popular Beach Volleyball competition, to be held in front of La Flora Hotel on Patong Beach. This will be a competition for teams of 5 people, with all teams playing each other on a point’s basis, leading to a final knockout for the final. The entry fee will be 250 Baht per person. The competition that will begin at 11:00am, is open to all nationalities and is planned to finish by 6.00pm as the light fades. There is no charge (other than for beach chairs) for spectators, who are encouraged to turn up and cheer on your favourite person/team. There will be bar and food facilities available and spectators are encouraged to support these by not bringing their own refreshments. All contestants MUST pre-register to enter with form and fee, Entry forms are available: To download from our web site: www.phuket-pride.org , Collectable from Aquarius Guest House & Lounge 69 in the Paradise Complex, Prince of Songkla University from Aj Colin Gallagher FHT. English Department or contact by email: marketingmax@phuket-pride.orgPride week Grand opening of Lounge 69 @ Aquarius 8pm to lateBrand new in Paradise – Lounge 69 has chosen Phuket Pride week for it’s official Grand opening. Lounge 69 is situated behind Sundowners bar in Soi Paradise and is a part of Aquarius. The evening is free to attend and is offering a free buffet, free welcome drink, great show and live band entertainment (subject to confirmation). Along with the Charity donation box, Lounge 69 will be donating 10% of all of the bar income to PLU/Pride charities.Thursday 24th April Gala Dinner at the Millennium Resort Hotel Patong from 6pm to 11pm This event is a first for the and Phuket Pride and promises to be an evening to remember. The Gala Dinner will be held at the prestigious Five Star Millennium Resort Hotel in Patong, near Jungceylon. Dress code is causal but fabulous. The evening will include a high level buffet of both Thai and International cuisine, world famous cabaret show, guest Dj’s and entertainers and a special recognition ceremony. During the evening also there will be a Grand Charity Auction, with a mix of both open and silent bidding, with some ‘must have’ items up for auction. Auction items last year included flat screen TV’s Weekend stays in Hotels, Thai artifacts, free dinners, spa visits and much more. All are donated free to be auctioned. The infamous Ian Philips will once again be your Auctioneer and Toast master and for those people who have not been to a auction before, you are assured of a very entertaining time. There are a limited number of VIP tables for 10 at 2,000 Baht per person. Regular Gala tickets at 1,500 Baht can be purchased individually or tables of 12. To purchase a table for you and your friends, email gala@phuket-pride.org or Aquarius Guest House, Lounge 69 and Club One Seven for cash payment tickets. Visa and MasterCard will be accepted, please be advised that there will be a 3% process fee added to every charge. All profits made through ticket sales and our auction will be donated to PLU/Pride charities. The evening starts at 6pm for cocktails, Dinner is at 7pm and goes until 11 pm.

Note: DRY DAY AND ELECTIONS IN PATONG & WET DAY AND ELECTIONS IN KATAAs the bars all close at 6pm for Patong elections, so go to CC Hideaway in Kata where the bar is wet and serving and the pool is wet and welcoming. While Patong hold elections for their Mayor, they will hold elections for Mr Phuket Pride 2014. Plenty of boy contestants parading around the pool at CC Hideaway. The bars at CC Hideaway will all be open ....... so where would you rather be!!!!!!

Along with this year's Mr Phuket Pride 2014 election, as always at CC Hideaway, there will be Dj’s, the pool for a swim, a giant balloon POP, special drink prices and much more. A special buffet will be available @ 350 Baht (which includes a donation to PLU/Pride charities). The ticket price for this Garland event will be 200 Baht, which will include a free beer or cocktail drink, a free D.A.W. ticket and free garland ready to give to your favourite Mr Phuket Pride 2014 contestant. No need to pre-buy, just turn up and pay on the door.

Entry to this event is FREE FOR ALL THAI’S (but excludes the free drink). CC’s Hideaway is at 84/21 Patak Road Soi 10 Kata – there are free transfers from Time Bar in Soi Paradise at 4.30 pm & 5.30pm. Don’t forget your Speedos!!! (Or bikinis for girls). Towels are provided free. Entry forms and full rules and conditions for the Mr Phuket Pride 2014 elections are available from Aquarius Guest House and Lounge 69 in soi Paradise.

Saturday 26th April ‘Sunset Beach Party’ at Iguana Beach 5.30pm to 11.30pm Note: On this day there are elections in Patong and all bars will be closed until midnight.

Iguana beach is a private bay in Phuket, 15-20 minutes drive from Patong. Due to it’s location Iguana Beach is not affected by the alcohol ban in Patong and the bars at this party will be open all evening. There is exclusive use of the beach for this amazing Sunset party. Swim, dance, eat and party along with guest international Dj’s, including one from the famous Catch Beach Club, Guest performers, stunning dancers, a sunset saxophonist and much more, whilst enjoying the beautiful Phuket sunset.

The ticket price for this 6 hours of fun is 900 Baht which includes a welcome drink, canapes (until 6.30) and buffet BBQ. There will be a limited free mini bus service and pick up points are from Patong (5.15pm) and CC Hideaway in Kata and transfers back from the beach party afterwards. This is a ticket only event and tickets must be purchased in advance as numbers are limited and mini buses will need to be booked in advance. Tickets are available from Aquarius Guest House & Lounge 69, CC Hideaway and Club One Seven. Or email : info@phuket-pride.org

Sunday 27th April Grand Parade Beach Road Patong starts from Soi Tan at 3pm This parade will have many floats and street entertainment from gay friendly venues and organizations from all over Phuket, with fantastic costumes and music. In previous years this parade has always attracted big crowds and this year it is again anticipated that thousands of people lining the street will enjoy this wild and colourful spectacle. For more information such as times, route map and entry form details, please visit: www.phuket-pride.org or email Vicky on: iamvickky@gmail.com

Pride Tea Dance street Party in Soi Paradise and ‘ BBQ’ from Bistro Restaurant - starts when the Grand Parade arrives until late. If you have never been to a Soi Paradise afternoon Tea Dance then you are in for a treat! These are not held very often, but when they are it’s always a great way to spend your late afternoon/early evening. Music and shows from the bars, dancing and partying in the street during the daytime warmth of the sunshine and a BBQ from The Bistro Restaurant . During the afternoon/early evening at Lounge 69 there will be the big Charity prize Draw of "Donate And Win" , so make sure you come along and see if you have won one of the many great prizes. Then the Phuket Nightlife Ladyboy Scene comes into play and its more swinging good time.This event is free, although there is of course a charge for the BBQ.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hooters of America, LLC, today announced a development agreement with an international franchisee to open three Hooters locations in Thailand over the next three years. Destination Resorts Co., Ltd. will introduce the iconic brand and dining destination to the country, with the first Hooters location scheduled to open in Phuket in June of this year. Located in Patong, Phuket, the entertainment and dining district of the province, the Hooters of Phuket will offer the brand’s world-famous chicken wings and beautiful Hooters Girls. “Our international franchise partners understand the opportunities that Hooters presents as one of the most recognized casual dining brands. We are pleased to have Destination Resorts join the Hooters team as we spread our wings together in Thailand.” The Thailand presence is the latest in international expansions announced for Hooters. In the last three months Hooters has celebrated grand openings in Alajuela, Costa Rica; Pretoria, South Africa; Osaka, Japan; San Salvador, El Salvador; Shanghai, China as well as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Overall growth plans include development of more than 150 new Hooters locations worldwide over the next five years. “Our global expansion into emerging markets comes with all of the delicious food, unbeatable atmosphere and friendly Hooters Girls our guests around the world have come to expect,” said Mark Whittle, senior vice president, development, Hooters of America. “Our international franchise partners understand the opportunities that Hooters presents as one of the most recognized casual dining brands. We are pleased to have Destination Resorts join the Hooters team as we spread our wings together in Thailand.” The Hooters locations in Thailand will feature the contemporary design elements that Hooters introduced in 2013 with the remodeled Hooters of Kirby, Texas, and the newly constructed Hooters of Slidell, La., located just outside of New Orleans. Hooters of Phuket will feature a beach oasis theme with a large outdoor patio and seating for more than 150 guests. While Hooters world-famous wings will be a menu staple, guests will also enjoy a full menu with a variety of signature entrees, including salads, sandwiches, seafood dishes and other delicious options. For more information about becoming a Hooters franchisee, visit www.hooters.com/Company/franchise. For more information about Hooters, visit www.hooters.com. About Hooters of America, LLC Hooters of America, LLC is the franchisor and operator of more than 412 Hooters restaurants in 44 states and 28 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida. Everyone is liberated from the ordinary at Hooters while enjoying great food, fun and uniquely-Hooters service from the iconic Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.Hooters.com or follow us at www.Twitter.com/Hooters, www.Facebook.com/Hooters or www.Instagram.com/Hooters. Footnote: The Phuket scene is about to change big time. Hooters Phuket are all set to open in the same building along side the Hard Rock Cafe Phuket. This is quite near the OTOP area so the less than lively spot is about to get a new buzz and competition in that area.

Tantalise the tastebuds this Easter with a sumptuous brunch buffet at La Sirena, Point Yamu's Italian restaurant. The buffet features antipasto, with cured Italian meats, European cheeses alongside grilled, marinated and roasted vegetables, fresh Andaman seafood and imported oysters.Welcome spring at The Pavilions Phuket to celebrate the season of hope and prosperity on Sunday the 20th of April from 6:30pm with our Easter cocktail and Mediterranean themed Easter BBQ.Boathouse presents its last Lobster Brunch of the season on Easter Sunday. At the seafood bar, there will be unlimited Main, Western Rock, Rock Lobsters and French Oysters plus roasted leg of lamb and grilled flank steak and other brunch specialties. There's a lot more all over Phuket so look around. There's something for everyone this Easter.

Last year Miss Phuket Bike Week 2013 was a smash hit. This year, 2014, will be even more spectacular because it's the 20th Anniversary of Phuket Big Bike Week. The annual beauty pageant will take place from April 11-14. Walk-in applications are being accepted now at the Andaman Embrace Resort and Spa in Patong. Applicants must bring with them an authentic copy of their ID card, and two 4x6” photographs, one of their full figure, and one just of their upper half. Eligible applicants will be called to assemble agin on April 8 at the Andaman Embrace Resort and Spa from 10am, when a panel will select the final 20 contestants as well as take photographs and film a VTR with other contestants and pageant organizers.Last years Phuket Bike Week 2013 was a roaring success and the crowning of the beauty queen was a spectacle itself. Who will it be this year....You? For more information, call 076-352-069 or contact Ms Somnawan directly on 086-695-4463, or email contest@andamanembrace.com

Once again it is that time of year when bikers will gather on the island of Phuket. This year is truly special. PHUKET BIG BIKE WEEK 2014 “ASEAN Ride Together”, the Asian biggest motorcycle event, will celebrate the 20th anniversary on 11th -19th April 2014. This event will be the large gathering of 40,000 visitors from 25 countries and expected expecting to draw over 8,000 motorcycles to Phuket. The fanfare of Big Bike Week 20th Anniversary will take place in the similar grounds of Loma Park at Patong Beach on 11th -14th April 2014 and later move to the island's capital of Phuket Town on 18th-19th April 2014. Similar to 2013 Bike Week last year, it clashes with the Thai new year, the Songkran Festival (Water Festival) so its going to be a wet & wild party in Phuket.

Day 6 : Saturday 19 April 2014 13.00-15.00 Motorcycle Festival, Gymkhana and Stunt show 16.00-18.00 Riding convoy around Phuket old town then ride to Thai Royal Navy’s port 17.00-18.30 Custom bike competition. 19.00-20.00 Live music by Rock band 20.00-21.00 Opening Ceremony and speech from Mayor of Phuket province and authorities of Phuket town. 21.00-21.30 Show from Miss Phuket Bike Week 2014 21.30-23.45 Music Festival and Live concert by Carabao band

﻿Siralanna Phuket is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of Patong beach area, one of ths country's most popular beach destinations. Every piece of furniture and decor is originally designed and handmade by traditional Thai craftsman from Chiang Mai. A masterpiece in itself besides the comfort.

Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Siralanna Phuket Hotel is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. While lodging at this wonderful property, guests can enjoy Wi-Fi in public areas, safety deposit boxes, a coffee shop, laundry service and more.

Experience high quality room facilities, including air conditioning, in room safe, television LCD/plasma screen, non smoking rooms, mini bar, to help you recharge after a long day. The hotel's massage are ideal places to relax and unwind after a busy day. Discover an engaging blend of professional service and a wide array of features at Siralanna PhuketHotel.﻿

Banyan Tree Phuket has been awarded “The Best Hotel in Phuket” 2014 in The DestinAsian Reader’s Choice Awards 2014. Banyan Tree opened in 1994 as the pioneer of the tropical garden spa concept with an emphasis on Asian therapies and a non-clinical, holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony. More than just a sanctuary for the senses, Banyan Tree Phuket is the perfect destination to unwind whether you are looking for a romantic weekend or a vacation of a lifetime.

Banyan Tree also won as "The Best Spa Hotel" 2014. The spa experience, with a comprehensive range of Asian therapies and complementing meditation classes At Banyan Tree Spa, is the highlight of each trained spa therapists. Banyan Tree Spa Academy Phuket was set up in 2001 to train a dedicated group of spa therapists for Banyan Tree Spas, ensuring high quality service standards and consistency in all its Spas around the world. To date, Banyan Tree Spa has set up academies in Bintan in Indonesia, Phuket in Thailand and Lijiang in China.﻿

Nipa Resort in Phuket is located 40 minutes from Phuket International Airport and close to attractions like Patong Beach, shopping and entertainment areas. With 90 rooms, it will be comfortable, private, spacious and stylish. They come fitted with air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, mini bar, broadband internet and delightful views of Patong Beach. The hotel's Aim Aoch Restaurant serves delicious seafood, Asian and Western delights while The Aiyara Pool is a place to enjoy a quick snack or quench your thirst with a cocktail. The resort also has a gym, sauna, spa, swimming pool with Jacuzzi and essential services like room service, babysitting, laundry, dry cleaning and 24-hour reception.